A heavy feeling in the stomach after eating, feeling full too early in a meal, epigastric burning – just some of the disabling symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD), a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that gives rise to numerous medical complaints. The prevalence of FD is high, estimated at 7.2% worldwide, with women, smokers, and patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at particular risk. The gut microbiota may be involved.

From dysbiosis to dyspepsia

The gastrointestinal tract hosts a microbiota that increases in abundance from the stomach (non-sterile) to the colon: Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes account for over 98% of the gut microbiota in healthy individuals. This microbial community is widely implicated in digestive health, from preserving the integrity of the gut barrier to modulating the mucosal immune system. 

At times, the balance of this community is upset, leading to dysbiosis: the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach seems to contribute to the development and progression of FD, while a dysbiosis in the duodenum (an increase in Streptococcus, Firmicutes, Bacteroides, and Proteobacteria, together with a decrease in Prevotella, Veillonella, Leptotrichia, Actinomyces, Neisseria, and Porphyromonas) appears to correlate with FD.

The gut microbiota may be involved both directly (an imbalance in composition and abundance may lead to gut dysfunction) and via the bacterial metabolites it produces, which can have a beneficial (e.g. short-chain fatty acids produced by Firmicutes) or harmful (pro-inflammatory sphingolipids produced by Bacteroidetes and Prevotellaceae) effect on the host.

Treatment via the gut microbiota

Modulation of the gut microbiota thus has widely recognized potential as a therapeutic approach. A number of clinical trials have underlined this potential: a combination of probiotic Bacillus strains (Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus clausii, and Bacillus subtilis) improves certain symptoms (belching, reflux, bloating), as does a probiotic combining Bacillus coagulans MY01 and Bacillus subtilis. A probiotic-enriched yogurt (Lactobacillus gasseri) did not alter patients’ symptoms but did reduce their frequency (17.3% vs. 35.2% in the placebo group).

Imagine opening a book that tells the story of a hidden city within your own home that you never knew existed. That's what scientists from Stanford University have done with the discovery of "Obelisks" (sidenote: Obelisks Newly discovered virus-like entities found within the bacteria of the human mouth and gut. Characterized by their unique RNA structures, these entities challenge traditional understandings of microbial and viral life forms. ) , a newly identified type of virus-like particles living inside the bacteria of our mouths and guts.

Like uncovering an ancient relic, the researchers used advanced genetic tools to map out the DNA landscapes of these bacteria, revealing that "Obelisks" dwell in about 7% of gut bacteria and an astonishing 50% of oral bacteria. This breakthrough not only shifts our view of the tiny life forms residing within us but also hints at rewriting the rules on how we understand viruses and the intricate ecosystems of our body's microbiome.

How were "Obelisks" discovered?

The research team employed a cutting-edge technique known as whole metagenome sequencing to analyze the genetic material from mouth and gut bacteria samples. This method allows scientists to read and compare the DNA sequences present, providing a comprehensive overview of the microbial landscape. By leveraging sophisticated bioinformatics tools, researchers identified these "Obelisks", which are characterized by their circular RNA genomes and unique rod-like structures.

One intriguing aspect of "Obelisks" is their RNA-based genome. RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a molecule similar to DNA and is crucial for various biological roles, including acting as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins. Unlike most organisms that store genetic information in DNA, these entities use RNA, which adds another layer of complexity to their nature.

What can we do with this?

The presence of "Obelisks" in such significant proportions within the human microbiome hints at their potential role in influencing our health, possibly affecting everything from digestion to immune responses. The study found that these entities could persist in individuals for over 300 days, suggesting they may have long-term effects on their hosts – Us!

In recent years, research has highlighted the health potential of the microbiome, leading to a burgeoning market for DTC tests that promise consumers the best of everything. Researchers and clinicians in the US are questioning these claims, and in an article published in Science, they have thoroughly examined the online services and promises of 31 companies, 17 of them based in the United States. These services mainly relate to the gut microbiota and to a lesser extent to the vaginal and skin microbiota.

Similar to DNA testing

In practical terms, these tests resemble DNA tests: you order a kit, take a sample and return it to the laboratory where it is sequenced to determine the taxonomic composition of the microbiome. The customer receives a report, often in graphic format, and a verdict (healthy microbiome or dysbiosis) obtained via comparison with databases with questionable representativeness. If a dysbiosis is detected, the customer is given recommendations, as well as the offer of dietary supplements sold by 45% of the companies marketing these tests. Predictably, they are also recommended regular tests to monitor improvements.

Tests with no validity or usefulness

For the authors of the article, the three requirements guaranteeing the accuracy and usefulness of a test have not been met:

• analytical validity (false-positive and false-negative rates) cannot be guaranteed: the bacterial microbiome has not yet been fully deciphered, the test does not analyze all bacteria, results vary from one laboratory to another or even within the same laboratory (non-standardized methods, variable databases, etc.);
• clinical validity (healthy or dysbiotic microbiome?) is doubtful, given the lack of a standard for “healthy” microbiota;
• clinical usefulness is questionable, since the information obtained does not allow for recommendations or treatment.

To be sure, many companies are careful to point out that their tests have no “diagnostic” value. However, their marketing suggests otherwise, especially since the results give the impression of being scientific. 
 

Bacteria, viruses, fungi (including yeasts) and even parasites: a whole flora, called «intestinal microbiota», populates our digestive system. And this for our greatest good! The gut microbiota promotes digestion, contributes to the proper functioning of our immune system, protects us from pathogenic bacteria… A list of benefits far from being exhaustive because the gut microbiota has many other strings to its bow, and especially in sports! According to several scientific studies, this «invisible coach» would help us in the effort, would be likely to improve our times and even source of motivation for training! Conversely, regular physical activity modulates the composition of our microbiota, favoring certain bacteria capable of optimizing our performance.

Make the invisible visible

In keeping with its mission to educate the general public about the fascinating powers of human microbiota, the Biocodex Microbiota Institute takes advantage of a year full of sporting events to shed light on the bidirectional relationship between microbiota and sport. “We have immersed ourselves in scientific studies that demonstrate the bidirectional relationship between the microbiota and physical activity,” says Murielle Escalmel, Scientific Director of the Biocodex Microbiota Institute. “ Hydration, immunity, balance, energy and resilience, on these five key functions of our body, the microbiota plays a real role of invisible coach. With the science behind it, we now needed to reach out to as many people as possible with a major challenge: making the invisible visible.”

The Biocodex Microbiota Institute has entrusted photographer Laurent Hini with the delicate mission of uncovering the mechanisms at work. “ Beyond the technical challenge, I was seduced by the message of highlighting the intrinsic link between sport and the microbiota,” says Hini. I suggested approaching the subject in the form of a diptych with two distinct images: a first portrait of the athlete in motion, to which a second part representing the microbiota as an invisible coach responds. ”

5 sports, 5 colours, 6 athletes… and a coach!

Surfing and hydration, judo and defence, breakdance and balance… The exhibition is presented as a course of 5 large diptychs for 5 sports associated with 5 microbiota functions. 6 athletes participated in the exercise. The project was conceived as a vis-à-vis between a wide-angle photograph of the athlete and an image representing his «microbiota coach».

For the microbiota, a mixed technique combining photo and generative visual Artificial Intelligence was used to materialize the function of the microbiota. The exhibition is based on this balance between the perceptible (the athlete) and the invisible (his microbiota). A chromatic dominance was then associated with each diptych: red for energy, orange for balance, white for defense… Colour is important in the exhibition: it is the link between the two parts of each diptych, the signage who will guide, inform the public within the exhibition about the unsuspected powers of human microbiota. And convince him to (re) play sports!

BMI 24.19

Bacteria, viruses, fungi (including yeasts) and even parasites: a whole flora, called «intestinal microbiota», populates our digestive system.  And this for our greatest good!  The gut microbiota promotes digestion, contributes to the proper functioning of our immune system, protects us from pathogenic bacteria… A list of benefits far from being exhaustive because the gut microbiota has many other strings to its bow, and especially in sports!  According to several scientific studies, this «invisible coach» would help us in the effort, would be likely to improve our times and even source of motivation for training!  Conversely, regular physical activity modulates the composition of our microbiota, favoring certain bacteria capable of optimizing our performance.

Make the invisible visible 

In keeping with its mission to educate the general public about the fascinating powers of human microbiota, the Biocodex Microbiota Institute takes advantage of a year full of sporting events to shed light on the bidirectional relationship between microbiota and sport. “We have immersed ourselves in scientific studies that demonstrate the bidirectional relationship between the microbiota and physical activity,” says Murielle Escalmel, Scientific Director of the Biocodex Microbiota Institute. “Hydration, immunity, balance, energy and resilience, on these five key functions of our body, the microbiota plays a real role of invisible coach. With the science behind it, we now needed to reach out to as many people as possible with a major challenge: making the invisible visible.” 

The Biocodex Microbiota Institute has entrusted photographer Laurent Hini with the delicate mission of uncovering the mechanisms at work. “Beyond the technical challenge, I was seduced by the message of highlighting the intrinsic link between sport and the microbiota,” says Hini.  "I suggested approaching the subject in the form of a diptych with two distinct images: a first portrait of the athlete in motion, to which a second part representing the microbiota as an invisible coach responds.” 

5 sports, 5 colours, 6 athletes… and a coach!

Surfing and hydration, judo and defence, breakdance and balance… The exhibition is presented as a course of 5 large diptychs for 5 sports associated with 5 microbiota functions. 6 athletes participated in the exercise. The project was conceived as a vis-à-vis between a wide-angle photograph of the athlete and an image representing his «microbiota coach».

For the microbiota, a mixed technique combining photo and generative visual Artificial Intelligence was used to materialize the function of the microbiota. The exhibition is based on this balance between the perceptible (the athlete) and the invisible (his microbiota). A chromatic dominance was then associated with each diptych: red for energy, orange for balance, white for defense… Colour is important in the exhibition: it is the link between the two parts of each diptych, the signage who will guide, inform the public within the exhibition about the unsuspected powers of human microbiota. And convince him to (re) play sports! 

About the Biocodex Microbiota Institute 

The Biocodex Microbiota Institute is an international knowledge hub dedicated to promoting better health by communicating about the human microbiota. To do this, it is aimed at health professionals as well as the general public to raise awareness of the central role of this little-known body.

→ www.biocodexmicrobiotainstitute.com

BMI 24.19

Bacterial Vaginosis (sidenote: Bacterial vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by an imbalance of the bacterial species that are normally present in the vagina. ) (BV) is often a telltale sign of an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, a condition that may result from the sexual transmission of bacteria. While the scientific community recognizes the potential for such transmission, definitive understanding has remained elusive. American researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine have examined how similar bacterial strains are between sexual partners and within broader sexual networks to better understand sexual transmission and improve disease management towards both partners. ¹

The snowball effect explained

The clinical investigation utilized a method known as "snowball recruitment," a technique where initial study participants recruit future ones from their personal networks. This approach ensures a naturalistic sampling of population, reflecting real-world interactions. In this case, the study extended over four waves and included 138 participants, predominantly young African American men and women, all of whom tested positive for sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Researchers collected and analyzed samples from both vaginal and penile swabs using whole metagenome sequencing—a method that reads the complete DNA sequences present in a sample, allowing for a detailed analysis of the microbial community. They employed tools such as inStrain to assess "strain concordance," or the degree of genetic similarity, between the bacteria found in different individuals, helping identify whether strains are being shared through sexual contact.

Transmission patterns

Out of 54 participants, the study flagged 115 instances of bacterial strain overlaps across 25 species. Remarkably, Lactobacillus iners was transmitted among 6% of female participants, pinpointing direct transmission pathways in same-sex interactions. Direct comparisons revealed a significantly higher rate of bacterial strain sharing among sexual contacts than non-contacts.

The majority (94%) of concordance events were between non-sexual contacts, including extensive sharing of Gardnerella swidsinskii and Lactobacillus crispatus strains among females, versus 6% among contacts, underscoring the pronounced role of sexual activity in the dissemination of specific bacterial strains. The unexpected high degree of concordance among non-sexual contacts suggests that community and environmental factors play a substantial role in the transmission of bacteria, hinting at a more complex network of bacterial exchange than previously understood.

Dive into the microbiota and sport exhibition

Expert opinion

For further information

How many patients suffering from functional bowel disorder does a healthcare professional see per week? Do you know that up to 75% of individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may be undiagnosed and may struggle more than 4 years before receiving a formal medical diagnosis?

Properly diagnosing IBS can be challenging and uncertain for different reasons: complex disorder with symptoms often difficult to quantify objectively, complex to explain it to patient during an average consultation…

Nevertheless, IBS symptoms sufferers need to be diagnosed and deserve a special attention as well as a dedicated treatment.

This is the reason why Pr. Jean-Marc Sabaté, Pr. Jan Tack, Dr. Pedro Costa Moreira with the support of the Biocodex Microbiota Institute have created an easy-to-use and practice-oriented IBS diagnostic tool with a dual objective for healthcare professionals:  better diagnose IBS and improve dialogue with their patients.

The tool is available in 3 formats. Pick the one for you!

1. Fan deck brochure
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3. Tod download

Get yours here : IBS Diagnoisis Tick Book

About the Biocodex Microbiota Institute

The Biocodex Microbiota Institute is an international scientific institution that aims to foster health through spreading knowledge about the human microbiota. To do so, the Institute addresses both healthcare professionals and the general public to raise their awareness about the central role of this still little-known organ of the body. 
 

BMI-23.08

Inform and educate to better diagnose. In keeping with its mission to raise awareness about the microbiota’s importance for health, the Biocodex Microbiota Institute will be actively involved in IBS Awareness Month this April, with exclusive content aimed at healthcare professionals and the general public. 

Educating and training healthcare professionals

BS certification training course, infographics to share with patients, expert videos, thematic paper, the latest scientific news... Biocodex Microbiota Institute provides healthcare professionals with customized tools and content to improve their day-to-day practice and quickly become experts on IBS. 

A checklist to improve IBS diagnosis

IBS affects around 10% of the world’s population, but 75% of those affected by the disease remain undiagnosed. Most IBS patients share a bumpy care path: failure to diagnose, a lack of reliable information, unsuccessful treatments, inappropriate or even harmful dietary changes. This is why three internationally renowned gastroenterologists (Professor Jean-Marc Sabaté, Professor Jan Tack, and Dr. Pedro Costa Moreira), with the support of the Biocodex Microbiota Institute, have developed a quick guide to improve IBS diagnosis. This practical and innovative tool provides an easy-to-use checklist to differential diagnosis (diagnostic criteria, IBS subtypes, checklist of warning signs, etc.) and to improving communication with patients. Available in three formats, this guide can be downloaded from the health professional section of the Biocodex Microbiota Institute website.

Living with IBS: patients’ stories 

Meet Aline, Jennifer, and Mihai. They all suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and speak openly about how the disease has changed their lives. To mark IBS Awareness Month, the Biocodex Microbiota Institute is launching “Patient Stories”, a series of video testimonials from patients suffering from chronic diseases. The first episodes of the series are dedicated to IBS and were produced with the support of the French Association of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients (APSSII).

A public health issue

Not well known among the general public, diagnosed late by healthcare professionals, and sometimes misunderstood by patients themselves, irritable bowel syndrome is a complex chronic disease and a public health problem. With this holistic awareness campaign, the Biocodex Microbiota Institute intends to actively encourage all stakeholders (patients and health professionals, as well as family members, caregivers, health authorities, and the general public, etc.) to get a better understanding of the disease itself, and the latest research advances pointing to the role played by the gut microbiota. 

About the Biocodex Microbiota Institute

The Biocodex Microbiota Institute is an international scientific institute which aims to improve public health by educating stakeholders about the human microbiota. The institute addresses both health professionals and the general public as part of its mission to raise awareness about the essential role played by this still little-known organ.

BMI-23.13

Inform and educate to better diagnose. In keeping with its mission to raise awareness about the microbiota’s importance for health, the Biocodex Microbiota Institute will be actively involved in IBS Awareness Month this April, with exclusive content aimed at healthcare professionals and the general public. 

Educating and training healthcare professionals

BS certification training course, infographics to share with patients, expert videos, thematic paper, the latest scientific news... Biocodex Microbiota Institute provides healthcare professionals with customized tools and content to improve their day-to-day practice and quickly become experts on IBS. 

A checklist to improve IBS diagnosis

IBS affects around 10% of the world’s population, but 75% of those affected by the disease remain undiagnosed. Most IBS patients share a bumpy care path: failure to diagnose, a lack of reliable information, unsuccessful treatments, inappropriate or even harmful dietary changes. This is why three internationally renowned gastroenterologists (Professor Jean-Marc Sabaté, Professor Jan Tack, and Dr. Pedro Costa Moreira), with the support of the Biocodex Microbiota Institute, have developed a quick guide to improve IBS diagnosis. This practical and innovative tool provides an easy-to-use checklist to differential diagnosis (diagnostic criteria, IBS subtypes, checklist of warning signs, etc.) and to improving communication with patients. Available in three formats, this guide can be downloaded from the health professional section of the Biocodex Microbiota Institute website.

Living with IBS: patients’ stories 

Meet Aline, Jennifer, and Mihai. They all suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and speak openly about how the disease has changed their lives. To mark IBS Awareness Month, the Biocodex Microbiota Institute is launching “Patient Stories”, a series of video testimonials from patients suffering from chronic diseases. The first episodes of the series are dedicated to IBS and were produced with the support of the French Association of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients (APSSII).

A public health issue

Not well known among the general public, diagnosed late by healthcare professionals, and sometimes misunderstood by patients themselves, irritable bowel syndrome is a complex chronic disease and a public health problem. With this holistic awareness campaign, the Biocodex Microbiota Institute intends to actively encourage all stakeholders (patients and health professionals, as well as family members, caregivers, health authorities, and the general public, etc.) to get a better understanding of the disease itself, and the latest research advances pointing to the role played by the gut microbiota. 

About the Biocodex Microbiota Institute

The Biocodex Microbiota Institute is an international scientific institute which aims to improve public health by educating stakeholders about the human microbiota. The institute addresses both health professionals and the general public as part of its mission to raise awareness about the essential role played by this still little-known organ.

BMI-23.13